O is for Orson
Orson Welles breathes new life into theatre, radio and cinema, turning convention on its head to become one of the most remarkable artists of all time.
From when he blagged a lead role at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, aged 16, to when he shocked America with his War of the Worlds radio drama and struck the most outrageous deal in movie history to direct Citizen Kane, Orson Welles’ energy and creative genius is unparalleled.
His production of Citizen Kane would make an enemy of Randolph Hearst, one of the most powerful men in the world. This could – perhaps should - have been a step foo far, but Welles still manages to turn out one of the greatest films of all time.
Featuring Lucas Aurelio as Welles, with Laurel Lefkow playing Hearst’s lover Marion Davies who tries to stop the film being made, and Miles Jupp as John Houseman, Welles’ producer and close collaborator.
Jonathan Myerson’s drama tells the story of how Welles became a titan of American culture by tearing up the rulebook at every turn and finding ever more creative ways to get his work made and seen.
Cast:
John Houseman. Miles Jupp
Marion Davies Laurel Lefkow
Orson Welles Lucas Aurelio
Macliammoir and others Nathan Wiley
Toland and others Nigel Whitmey
Blitzstein and others Danny Mahoney
Written by Jonathan Myerson
Sound design by Alisdair McGregor
Produced and directed by Boz Temple-Morris
A Holy Mountain production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
On radio
Broadcast
- Saturday 15:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4